Statement from Shetland Fishermen's Association on referendum result

September 19th 2014

Following Thursday’s No vote in the Scottish referendum, Leslie Tait, chairman of Shetland Fishermen’s Association, urged the two sides to put their differences aside and work with the fishing industry in the isles to help it see off the threat from the discard ban.

“When it comes to the major issues that the fishing industry faces, such as the discard ban, we are seeking confirmation that the Scottish government will use its devolved powers to back our communities in their fight against clumsy and unworkable legislation handed down from Brussels,” he said.

“Now that the period of uncertainty about how we will be governed is over, I sincerely hope that politicians and officials with responsibility for fisheries policy will focus their minds on helping to build a workable future for the men who go to sea and communities that depend on fish catching.”